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Bulgaria, situated in the south-eastern part of Europe, and in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, had been a land of many ancient civilizations and great peoples. For centuries, the roads passing through the territory of this beautiful country have been connecting Europe to Asia and Africa. Four common European transport corridors, connecting Western and Northern Europe with the Eastern and Southern part of the continent, cross their roads right here.
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About Bulgaria
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Rugged snow-capped peaks and soft green slopes, cool forests carrying the aroma of herbs and wild fruit, quick-flowing rivers and crystal-clear blue lakes, mineral springs and bioreserves, rare plants and game, large climatic and ski resorts and small picturesque villages with living traditions and folklore - every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic appearance and fascination. |
Climate
Temperate continental with clearly marked four seasons. A Mediterranean influence is felt in the country's southern regions. The average annual temperature is 10.5°C. The average January temperature is around O°C. Average summer temperatures are around 35°C and the summer lasts on average four months.
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Population
8,428,006
Language
Bulgarian. English, German, French and Russian is spoken in the country's resorts, hotels and restaurants.
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Alphabet
Cyrillic. Signs along international motorways, in airports and resorts are also spelled in Roman letters.
Religion
86.6% of the population is Eastern Orthodox, 13% are Muslims. The Bulgarian Church is autonomous and headed by a Patriarch.
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State government
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic.
Official holidays
January 1 - New Year
March 3 - Bulgaria's Liberation from Ottoman rule - the National Day
Easter - one week after the Catholic Easter
May 1 - Labour Day
May 6 - Bulgarian Army Day
May 24 - Day of Bulgarian Alphabet
September 6 - Bulgaria's Unification
September 22 - Independance Day
December 25-26 - Christmas
Capital
Sofia (pop. 1,141,000). Read more about Sofia here
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Time Difference
Winter time: GMT +2 hours (October through March).
Summer time: GMT +2 hours (April through September)
Voltage
220 V only
Monetary Units
lev. Banknote denominations include 2.00, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00, 50.00 and 100.00 leva, as well as coins of smaller denominations.
Working Hours
offices - 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
banks - 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
shops - 10.00 a.m. to 8.00 pm. (Monday to Friday, Saturday until noon)
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Transport
public transport
- in big cities: trams, trolley-buses, buses
- elsewhere: buses
- inter-city transport: plane, train, coach
taxi
rent-a-car
Currency Exchange
In banks and 24-hour change bureaux. The exchange rate is announced every day.
Passports and Visas
You will need a valid passport with an entry or transit visa which is issued by the embassies and consulates of the Republic of Bulgaria abroad.
No entry visas are required for citizens of the countries with which Bulgaria has a visa-free regime, or of organized tourists who have bought a package tour.
No entry visas are required for citizens of the EU and EFTA member states. All citizen of the EU can currently stay in Bulgaria without a visa for three months over every six months of the year.
Important Telephone Numbers
Police - 166
Ambulance - 150
Road assistance - 146
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Accommodation
Bulgaria boasts an extensive accommodation network ranging from luxury five-star to unpretentious two-star hotels, small cosy hotels and private rooms, meeting all modern requirements. Reservations through tourist agencies or local accommodation offices.
Meals
All over Bulgaria you will find catering establishments of different categories serving different foods: new luxury restaurants, taverns which serve national cuisine, restaurants serving foreign cuisine, fast food restaurants, pizzerias, numerous cafes and pastry shops, entertainment spots, etc.
Menus are usually written in both Bulgarian and English. Restaurants stay open from 11a.m. to midnight, but may work round the clock.
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